The EarFun UBOOM L is a portable Bluetooth speaker designed for music enthusiasts who need a reliable and robust audio companion on the go. Its compact and lightweight design ensures easy portability, making it an excellent choice for those who love to take their music outdoors. Rated IP67 for dust and water resistance, this speaker is built to withstand harsh environments, providing peace of mind during adventurous outings. Despite lacking some advanced sound enhancement features found in premium models, the EarFun UBOOM L compensates with practical functionalities like Indoor and Outdoor sound modes and a Video Mode to reduce latency during video playback.
Design and Build Quality
The EarFun UBOOM L boasts a sleek and modern design that appeals to a wide audience. Its cylindrical shape, combined with a rugged exterior, ensures durability while maintaining a stylish appearance. The speaker is wrapped in a mesh fabric that not only adds to its aesthetic appeal but also contributes to its water and dust resistance. The control buttons are strategically placed on the top for easy access, and the overall build quality feels solid and reliable.
Portability
One of the standout features of the EarFun UBOOM L is its portability. Weighing just under a pound, this speaker is easy to carry around in a backpack or even by hand. The compact size does not compromise its performance, making it a perfect companion for outdoor activities like hiking, camping, or beach trips. The inclusion of a lanyard hook enhances its portability, allowing users to hang it on their backpacks or bicycles.
Sound Quality
The EarFun UBOOM L delivers impressive sound quality for its size, thanks to its advanced Digital Signal Processing (DSP) and JumboBass Technology. These features work together to provide a clear and detailed sound profile with minimal distortion. The speaker is equipped with two 55mm drivers and passive radiators that produce a rich and immersive audio experience.
Indoor and Outdoor Modes
The speaker offers two distinct sound modes: Indoor and Outdoor. The Indoor mode delivers a balanced sound with enhanced bass, making it suitable for small gatherings or personal use. On the other hand, the Outdoor mode boosts the volume and extends the battery life, ensuring that the music reaches everyone in a larger open space. This versatility makes the EarFun UBOOM L a versatile choice for different environments.
Bass Performance
With its proprietary JumboBass Technology, the EarFun UBOOM L excels in delivering deep and punchy bass. The dual passive radiators enhance the low-frequency response, allowing users to feel the bass in addition to hearing it. This feature is particularly impressive given the speaker’s compact size, providing a full-bodied sound that rivals larger speakers.
Battery Life
The battery life of the EarFun UBOOM L is decent but falls short of its advertised duration. While the manufacturer claims up to 16 hours of playback time, real-world usage typically yields around 10-12 hours, depending on the volume level and usage of features like Outdoor mode. Nonetheless, this battery life is sufficient for a full day of use, and the speaker can be quickly recharged using the included USB-C cable.
Charging and Connectivity
The EarFun UBOOM L supports USB-C charging, which is a welcome feature given its faster charging times and widespread adoption. Additionally, the speaker offers Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity, ensuring a stable and seamless connection with a wide range of devices. The pairing process is straightforward, and the connection remains strong even at a distance of up to 50 feet.
Durability and Water Resistance
The IP67 rating of the EarFun UBOOM L signifies its excellent dust and water resistance. This rating ensures that the speaker can withstand dust ingress and can be submerged in water up to a depth of one meter for 30 minutes. The rugged construction and waterproof materials make it an ideal choice for outdoor activities, where exposure to water and dust is inevitable.
Practical Use Cases
Whether it’s a pool party, a beach outing, or a rainy day hike, the EarFun UBOOM L is built to handle various environments. Its ability to float ensures that it can be safely used around water bodies without the risk of sinking. The robust design also makes it suitable for use in bathrooms, where it can withstand steam and splashes.
Additional Features
Speakerphone and Voice Assistant
The EarFun UBOOM L includes a built-in microphone, allowing it to function as a speakerphone. This feature is handy for taking calls without needing to disconnect the speaker from your phone. The clarity of the microphone is adequate for casual conversations, making it a convenient addition for hands-free communication.
Moreover, the speaker supports voice assistants like Siri and Google Assistant. By pressing a dedicated button, users can activate their preferred voice assistant and perform tasks such as checking the weather, setting reminders, or controlling smart home devices. This integration enhances the overall functionality of the speaker, making it a smart companion for tech-savvy users.
Video Mode
One of the unique features of the EarFun UBOOM L is its Video Mode, designed to reduce latency when watching videos. This mode ensures that the audio remains in sync with the video, providing a seamless viewing experience. This is particularly useful when streaming content on platforms like YouTube or Netflix, where audio-visual synchronization is crucial.
Wireless Stereo Pairing
For those who seek a more immersive audio experience, the EarFun UBOOM L offers wireless stereo pairing. This feature allows users to connect two UBOOM L speakers to a single device, effectively doubling the volume and enhancing the stereo soundstage. This is ideal for larger gatherings or parties where a single speaker might not suffice.
Performance Compared to Competitors
EarFun UBOOM L vs. JBL Charge 5
When compared to the JBL Charge 5, the EarFun UBOOM L holds its own in several aspects. While the JBL Charge 5 may offer slightly louder output and longer battery life, the EarFun UBOOM L excels in portability and affordability. Additionally, the IP67 rating of the UBOOM L matches that of the JBL Charge 5, ensuring robust protection against the elements.
EarFun UBOOM L vs. Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 2
The Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 2 is another popular choice in the portable Bluetooth speaker market. The EarFun UBOOM L offers similar water and dust resistance but stands out with its superior bass performance and lower latency Video Mode. Moreover, the UBOOM L’s ability to pair two speakers for stereo sound gives it an edge over the Wonderboom 2.
User Experience
Overall, the user experience with the EarFun UBOOM L is positive. The speaker’s intuitive design, combined with its practical features, makes it easy to use and enjoy. The Indoor and Outdoor modes provide versatility, while the Video Mode enhances the multimedia experience. The speaker’s robust build and IP67 rating ensure reliability in various environments, making it a dependable choice for both indoor and outdoor use.
Setup and Pairing
Setting up the EarFun UBOOM L is straightforward. Upon powering on the speaker, it automatically enters pairing mode. Users can easily connect their devices via Bluetooth, and the speaker remembers the last paired device for quick reconnections. The controls are user-friendly, with clearly labeled buttons for power, volume, play/pause, and mode switching.
Sound Customization
While the EarFun UBOOM L does not offer an extensive range of sound customization options, the Indoor and Outdoor modes provide basic adjustments to suit different environments. Users can switch between these modes with a simple button press, allowing for quick and easy sound optimization.
Recommendations
The EarFun UBOOM L is an excellent choice for those seeking a portable Bluetooth speaker that offers good sound quality, durability, and practical features at an affordable price. Its IP67 rating, combined with its robust construction, makes it ideal for outdoor enthusiasts. The Indoor and Outdoor modes provide versatility, while the Video Mode ensures a seamless audio-visual experience. Additionally, the wireless stereo pairing feature adds value for users who need more powerful sound.
However, if you prioritize battery life and maximum volume, you might want to consider alternatives like the JBL Charge 5. For users who require extensive sound customization, premium models with dedicated equalizer settings might be more suitable.
In conclusion, the EarFun UBOOM L stands out as a reliable and versatile portable speaker that delivers impressive performance for its size and price. Whether you’re planning a beach party, a backyard barbecue, or a cozy indoor gathering, this speaker is equipped to meet your audio needs.